The driver behind the wheel that killed four men, last week in American Samoa has been charged by the Department of Public Safety.
Chanel Lafua is being held on bail of 75,000 in connection with the deaths. Samoa News report that Lafua is facing nine felony counts and six misdemeanour charges, which includes four counts of homicide by vehicle and four counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol causing death.
He also faces one count of felonious restraint involving domestic violence, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 7 years, along with misdemeanour charges 3rd degree assault and counts of reckless driving causing bodily injury.
Lafua was taken into custody Saturday afternoon after being treated at the LBJ Hospital for injuries sustained in the early Saturday morning crash at Satala.
Deputy Commissioner Fo’ifua Fo’ifua said the driver was intoxicated. He also revealed that the defendant had a pending DUI.
Earlier this week, Star Kist Samoa named the victims as Mr. Ierome Vili; Mr. Taumaoe Filipo, Mr. Faasaulala Ahoni and Mr. Alatina Faleasi.”
In the statement, StarKist says they are working closely with the victims’ families to provide support during this difficult time.
The cannery company also acknowledged and thanked all first responders for their service during this tragedy.
The Congregation Christian Church in Fatausi Savaii also posted on their Facebook page the sad news which led to a number of messages for Faleasi’s family.
In the meantime, the American Samoa Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga issued a statement regarding the tragic accident and said that his prayers and thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives during the fatal Satala accident.
The Governor reminded the general public while holiday celebrations are underway to practice safety on our roads, and urged the public not to drive under the influence of alcohol. He added there is no reason to drive while impaired and that deaths caused by impaired driving are not accidents.
